"There are only two fighters" - Superbon says Masaaki Noiri's hometown crowd won't save him at ONE 173

(From left) Superbon ready for war against Masaaki Noiri. [Images: ONE Championship]
Superbon (left) is ready for war against Masaaki Noiri (right). [Images courtesy: ONE Championship]

Striking wizard Superbon isn't worried about the noise when he takes to the global stage of ONE Championship in Tokyo – he's focused on what happens inside the Circle.

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The reigning ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion defends his crown against interim titleholder Masaaki Noiri in a world title unification bout that headlines ONE 173 inside the majestic Ariake Arena on Sunday, Nov. 16.

Ahead of their massive main event showdown, the 35-year-old Thai striking icon addressed the challenge of competing in front of Noiri's passionate Japanese fanbase and revealed why the hostile atmosphere won't affect him at all.

"I feel like the crowd roars very loudly for the fighters of their home countries. In the end, there are only two fighters fighting one another in the ring," Superbon told ONE Championship in a pre-fight interview.
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The Bangkok-based athlete's mindset reflects a champion who understands that crowd support can inspire but doesn't determine outcomes.

While Noiri, teammates with fellow former K-1 champions Yuki Yoza and Takeru Segawa at Team Vasileus, will have the entire Ariake Arena behind him, Superbon's words suggest he's prepared to silence the Japanese crowd with his performance.

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Superbon carries the weight of Thai striking pride into ONE 173 clash

The Thai megastar has previously stated his desire to prove that Thai fighters remain the world's top strikers, and defeating the former K-1 champion on Japanese soil would send that message and be the perfect icing on the cake.

Noiri claimed the interim featherweight kickboxing title with a fierce TKO of Tawanchai PK Saenchai at ONE 172 in Saitama this past March, giving him momentum heading into the biggest fight of his career.

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For Superbon, who heads into this pivotal matchup after being stunned by Tawanchai in a Muay Thai world title fight this past January, redemption comes in the form of proving his kickboxing dominance remains intact despite that setback.

The clash between defending champion and interim titleholder, Thai technical excellence and Japanese power, sets the stage for an unforgettable main event when these two lock horns on Nov. 16.

Who leaves the Ariake Arena as the undisputed featherweight kickboxing king? Will it be the Thai megastar or the Japanese hero? Let us know below!

Tickets for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri can be secured here. Fans around the world can visit watch.onefc.com for how-to-watch details in their region.

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

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Edited by Aziel Karthak
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